One of the biggest challenges facing older patients with disabilities is that the care and support services needed to function optimally at home are often fragmented — and not always obtainable. Thi​s is especially true for low-income disabled adults whose home circumstances may not fit the bill, literally and figuratively, for what public insurers such as Medicaid and Med​icare will cover.

In a handful of communities in the US, a program called CAP​ABLE​is demonstrating low-cost, practical ways to fill the void. Learn how the model works and how it might be spread to other communities on the February 22 WIHI: Aging in Place with a Disability and Dignity

WIHI panelist Sarah Szanton, founder and director of CAPABLE, will describe how the program helps low-income seniors with disabilities live safely at home utilizing the services of a nurse, an occupational therapist, and a handyman. The team of three works together to identify each client's unique challenges and ambitions in the home environment, then designs a plan that aligns with "what matters" to the individual most of all. For instance, handyman Gary Felser, also a WIHI panelist, may install grab bars in showers and tubs, but if someone has a favorite window seat they're having trouble reaching to read by natural light, or loves to cook but is fearful of falling in the kitchen, he'll install whatever can make those activities doable.

Our third WIHI panelist is Judith Kell, who's in the middle of arranging stable financing for support services offered by Mercy Health in Muskegon, Michigan. Her program, modeled after CAPABLE, demonstrates what an early adopter can accomplish by starting small and gaining experience with the targeted population of older, disabled adults. She's now using these invaluable lessons to establish a program that promises to become an integral part of the community.

The research into the health benefits and cost savings associated with CAPABLE are yielding impressive results. We'll provide more details and discussion on the February 22 WIHI. We look forward to your interest and participation.